Airgas, Inc. : Airgas Increases First Quarter Dividend by 25%

05/03/2012 | 07:35am US/Eastern

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Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) today announced that the Board of Directors
increased the quarterly cash dividend on the company's common stock by
25%, from $0.32 per share to $0.40 per share. The dividend will be
payable on June 29, 2012 to shareholders of record as of June 15, 2012.

"Fiscal 2012 was another tremendous year for Airgas and its
shareholders, highlighted by record earnings and very strong cash flow,"
said Airgas Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Peter McCausland. "The
financial strength of our business and our outstanding future prospects
enable us to increase our dividend while continuing to fund our
long-term growth strategies."

About Airgas, Inc.

Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), through its subsidiaries, is the largest U.S.
distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases, and hardgoods,
such as welding equipment and supplies. Airgas is also a leading U.S.
producer of atmospheric gases, carbon dioxide, dry ice, and nitrous
oxide, one of the largest U.S. distributors of safety products, and a
leading U.S. distributor of refrigerants, ammonia products, and process
chemicals. More than 15,000 employees work in approximately 1,100
locations, including branches, retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty
gas labs, production facilities and distribution centers. Airgas also
markets its products and services through eBusiness, catalog and
telesales channels. Its national scale and strong local presence offer a
competitive edge to its diversified customer base. For more information,
please visit www.airgas.com.

This communication contains statements that are forward looking.
Forward-looking statements include the statements identified as
forward-looking in the Company's press release announcing its quarterly
earnings, as well as any statement that is not based on historical fact,
including statements containing the words "believes," "may," "plans,"
"will," "could," "should," "estimates," "continues," "anticipates,"
"intends," "expects" and similar expressions. All forward-looking
statements are based on current expectations regarding important risk
factors and should not be regarded as a representation by us or any
other person that the results expressed therein will be achieved. Airgas
assumes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements
for any reason, except as required by law. Important factors that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any
forward-looking statement include the factors identified in the
Company's press release announcing its quarterly earnings, as well as
other factors described in the Company's reports, including its March
31, 2011 Form 10-K, subsequent forms 10-Q, and other forms filed by the
Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company notes
that forward-looking statements made in connection with a tender offer
are not subject to the safe harbors created by the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company is not waiving any other
defenses that may be available under applicable law.